Here's Why You Should Buy CBD For Everyone You Know This Holiday

Be the trend-setting gift-giver you always knew you could be.

Have you heard of CBD yet? If not, read up, then get back to me.

Jenny Chang / BuzzFeed

Here's the tl;dr-
- CBD (Cannabidiol) is a compound extracted from the hemp plant (yes that one)

- It is not the same compound as THC, the psychoactive one that gets you high

- While the popularity of CBD has expanded faster than clinical trials and scientific studies can keep up with, there is lots of anecdotal evidence that CBD can be an effective (supplemental) treatment for lots of things, from anxiety to childhood epilepsy to endometriosis to general inflammation to acne to pain from wearing high-heels.

- While regulation of hemp and CBD is muddy, it is legal to purchase online / over-the-counter in many states, even where medical or recreational marijuana is not legal, and there's a bill in Congress now to fully legalize the farming of hemp on a federal level

Great! We're all caught up. Now I'm here to tell you how to pick out a CBD gift for almost anyone in your life (except children — sorry kids!).

And why should you buy CBD goodies for your giftees? I'll give you five reasons!

1. CBD is mega on-trend, so you can secure your place as the most forward-thinking gifter (it's been dubbed "the New Avocado Toast" and "the chemical-equivalent of Bitcoin" — need we say more?)

2. Many popular CBD products are designed around rituals of self-care — lotions, oils, bath bombs, etc. — which everyone could use a little more of in this hectic season (of Planet Earth)

3. It's a great conversation starter that can lead to discussions on the increasing popularity of hemp-derived products, changes in medical and recreational marijuana laws in the US and abroad, and what that could and should mean for criminal justice reform

4. The packaging is often beautiful, which means you don't even have to wrap it

5. If they don't like it, you can keep it for yourself!

Now let's get to gifting!

For CBD newbies who are always on-the-go: Vertly Lip Butter

Vertly

Important info:

Topical products are a great intro for people who may be new to or skeptical about CBD but want to dip their...lips in, in this case.

This CBD beauty brand was founded by a former fashion editor and has been featured by Vogue, The New York Times, Popsugar and more. Contains 25mg of hemp CBD.

Review highlights:

"I carry this in my purse and have one in my car and one at my desk at work. Knowing that it has anti-stress and anti-anxiety benefits has me reaching for it more often than I'd like to admit." —Credo beauty customer

"Due to its peppermint fragrance, I owe at least one makeout session to this balm." —Popsugar

Where to buy:

available at Vertly and Credo Beauty in Cocoa, Peppermint, and Rose. $22 for .2 oz.

For the willing but uninitiated CBD consumer: Easy Dose It Multi-dose Truffle Assortment from To Whom It May

To Whom It May

Important info:

To Whom It May is a CBD chocolate brand created by The Art of Edibles Cannabis Collective designed to allow tiered dosing for CBD exploration. This sample box is one of their signature offerings. It's available in four flavors (Cherry Cayenne, Smoked Almond Butter, Hazelnut Brandy, and Hazelnut Butter), and contains multiple different doses of CBD that allow recipients to test out which is right for them. The chocolates contain no dairy, no gluten, no refined sugars, no soy, and no lecithin or other emulsifiers.

Review highlights:

"To Whom It May is a sophisticated edibles brand; it is also a state of mind, free of tasteless judgment about how people incorporate cannabis into their lives." —Edibles Magazine

"They are simple, but complicated. Obvious, but nuanced. Each bite reveals something hidden, and as far as I could tell, there was no change in taste with potency, which is a pretty impressive feat for any edible company." —OC Weed Review

Where to buy:

eight truffles of different doses = $73 at To Whom It May (if you know what dose you want, there are cheaper options)

For La Croix stans: Recess Hemp- and Adaptogen-infused Sparkling Water

Recess

Important info:

Flavor options include Peach Ginger, Pom Hibiscus, and Blackberry Chai. In addition to CBD, this highly Instagrammable drink includes adaptogens like American Ginseng and L-theanine, and has been well-reviewed by converted La Croix fans at places like Bon Appetit and Bustle.

Review highlights:

"...this product can be enjoyed for its flavor alone. And it’s probably the most crushable and satisfying CBD-enhanced product that has landed on our desks to date." —Bevnet

"Because they’re so drinkable, I end up casually sipping on a can all day long, which sets me up to chill in my concentration cocoon throughout the day. " —Healthyish

Where to buy:

a sampler 8-pack for $29.99 from Recess (shipping takes 4-5 weeks due to demand, so you better order soon if you want it by the holidays)

For the athlete: CBD for Life Rub

Of a Kind

Important info:

120mg of CBD per tub. Free of GMOs, parabens, pthalates, formaldehyde, and artificial colors, and cruelty-free. CBD for Life is owned and operated by women. Also, it's one of Whoopi Goldberg's favorite things.

Review highlights:

"Think: If Tiger Balm didn't smell awful and also had magic powers." —Of A Kind

"With my semi-frequent tension headaches, [my partner's] aches from rough living, and the growing pains of our tall children, this balm gets a lot of use in our household." —The Stoner Mom

"They’re illegal, kind of, though you can buy it online, so maybe it’s perfectly legal?" —Whoopi Goldberg

Where to buy:

$25 for .9oz at Of A Kind and CBD for Life (comes in lavender and lemongrass scents)

For the beauty guru: Milk Makeup KUSH Fiber Brow Gel and Mascara

@MilkMakeup on Instagram

Important info:

According to the brand, CBD oil is used here as a vegan alternative to beeswax, a binding compound used in many beauty products. Both KUSH products are cruelty-free, paraben-free, vegan, and gluten-free.

Review highlights:

"I typically use 3-4 products for my eyebrows...but I only needed to use this one! It filled in the sparse areas of my brows and set them!! HIGHLY recommend trying KUSH" —Sephora customer

"Great formula and application. It fills in my brows and shapes them gracefully." - Sephora Customer

Where to buy:

mascara for $24, tinted brow gel for $18 (at Sephora; the brow gel also available in clear)

For your fanciest, most adventurous friend: Lord Jones High CBD Holiday Gum Drops

Lord Jones

Important info:

Lord Jones are basically the Dom Pérignon of CBD confections. Their packaging is high-end and their ingredients are all-natural. But be warned: these are pretty strong at 20mg per piece, and also not cheap, so they're best for people who are already familiar with CBD or willing to experiment.

Review highlights:

"I live in super hot AZ and the first batch they sent melted on their way. They quickly overnighted me another batch that arrived with ice in perfect condition." —Lord Jones customer

"These little gems are wonderful. When I am a little stressed out and just want to relax before bed I eat one gummy and it is sweet dreams for me. I have recommended them to everyone I know and many are buying for their older parents in their 80s who have aches and pains. Also two dear friends don’t drink and find these gummies just what they needed." —Lord Jones customer

Where to buy:

$50 a box at Lord Jones. (there's also a Sigur Rós collaboration flavor for $10 more and they also make dark chocolate espresso chews)

For the calm (or in need of calm): Sagely Tranquility Stress-treatment Roll-on

Stewart Uy / Sagely

Important info:

This handy portable rollerball dispenser has 50mg of CBD plus lavender, bergamot, and chamomile.

Review highlights:

"I love the scent (predominately lavender) and it feels great. Absorbs quickly and non-greasy." —Sagely customer

Where to buy:

$26 at Sagely (must be 21+ to enter site)

For hardcore CBD fans who want to level up: Wildflower CBD Disposable Vaporizer Pen

Wildflower

Important info:

This hemp-based CBD product contains less than .03% THC. Each puff delivers around 1mg of CBD. Pen contains 150mg total.

Review highlights:

"Very discreet which I love when I need to take the edge [off]!" —Wildflower Customer

Where to buy:

$60 for Immunity and Aches formulations at Wildflower

For the skincare-lovers: Cannuka CBD Calming Eye Balm

Cannuka

Important Info:

This topical eye balm from PETA-certified, cruelty-free brand Cannuka is made with maunka honey, 15mg CBD isolate, vitamin E, rose hip oil, and grapeseed oil. Reviewers on the brand's website say the product works for reducing puffiness from allergies, hydrating dry spots, soothing burns, and even taming acne.

Review highlights:

"Do you have a bigger bottle!!! FABULOUS!! MY Sorority sisters asked me if I did Botox!! Ja,ja,ja!!!!" —Cannuka customer

"My eyes feel amazing and I have even had people comment on them. (I'm 59 by the way and love the compliments.)" —Cannuka customer

"I live in Hawaii, and for some reason lots of things I order online get delayed or lost on their way here. Well this company did something that no other company has done! They reached out and helped me find where my package was, and overnighted a new package of the same products! It was incredible and ruined me for every other company that doesn’t go above and beyond." —Cannuka customer

Where to buy:

$38 for .44oz at Cannuka

For those in need of chill: Life Elements Bliss Ball™ Bath Bombs

Life Elements

Important info:

Derived from organically grown CBD. Handcrafted in the USA. Cruelty-free, and contains no harsh chemicals, preservatives, aluminum, colorants, foaming agents, or synthetic fragrance. Available in three strengths between 50–200mg.

Review highlights:

"I have to admit I didn’t expect such positive results so quickly from such a simple modality. I felt less tight immediately and when I woke up the next day I barely felt the tightness in my lower back." —Life Elements Customer

"As someone who lives with chronic pain, I gave this bliss ball bath bomb a try and only wish I bought more. As a male, talking about bath bombs might as well be taboo — let alone hand-over-your-male-card cringeworthy. The product didn't disappoint." - Life Elements Customer

Where to buy:

Starting at $14 from Life Elements (use code "BuzzFeed" at checkout for 10% off)

For the home aesthete: Vertly CBD Infused Bath Salts

Vertly

Important Info:

Can you even handle how beautiful this bag is??? This is bound to make even the most skeptical recipients at least want to put this on prominent display. Features a combination of natural salts, botanical infusions (marjoram, yarrow, and rosemary), and 50mg hemp CBD.

Where to buy:

6oz for $29 at Vertly

For the ritual-havers: Burkelman Sensory Seeker Candle

David Kimelman

Important info:

Obviously the effects here will only be nose-deep, but this 100% soy wax candle with cannabis resin, fernet, and clove is still a great gift for anyone who is looking to branch out from their typical scents.

Where to buy:

$38 at Burkelman

For insomniacs: Caffeine-free Herbal High Tea

High Tea

Important info:

This is one of yours truly's favorite CBD products out there for some nighttime relaxation. Even if you don't notice the effects of the CBD, you get a delicious herbal tea blend that includes Peppermint, Chamomile, Blackberry Leaves, Cinnamon Bark, Ginger, Roses, Licorice Root, and Marigold.

Where to buy:

$25 for 10 tea sachets from High Tea (lso available in caffeinated blends)

For true tea partiers: Buddha Teas CBD Tea Bundle

Buddha Teas

Important info:
5mg CBD per cup. Bundle includes Chamomile, Matcha, Mint, and Turmeric & Ginger. 18 bags in each box.

Review highlights:

"I’m a big tea drinker and I love this tea. They are perfect to wind down your day, or relax you in the middle of a long day. Refreshing flavors and very relaxing CBD effect. Two thumbs up." —Buddha Tea customer

"The tea is deliciously mild and has an excellent amount of caffeine but the CBD helps keep the jitters down. I can't take my coffee or my tea very strong, because it makes my body freak out, and this tea has been the perfect balance. Just ordered it for my dad to help with the arthritis in his hip!" —Buddha Tea customer

Where to buy:

one box starting at $20 at Buddha Teas.

For romantic partner: Foria Awaken Massage Oil

Foria

Important info:

Foria made a name for itself by being one of the first brands to include hemp in their intimate products all the way back in 2014, and it was chosen by GQ as their "Sex Product of the Year" when it was released. As with most weed lubes, the effects are felt by people with vaginas. Not compatible with latex condoms.

Review highlights:

"I'm grinning ear to ear just talking about it." —Foria customer

"Awaken has a quick onset, and only minutes after being sprayed, I could feel things begin to, well, awaken." —Vice

Where to buy:

$48 for a 30mL spray bottle at Foria

For cannibi-curious dogs: True Hemp CBD Supplement Chews

Amazon

Important info:

Don't think only humans can benefit from the effects of CBD! These dog treats are said to calm some anxious pups. Contains hemp oil, hemp seeds, and other active ingredients like Omega-3 fatty acids and calming herbs like lemon balm and chamomile. Also contains peas.

Review Highlights:

"Amazing difference for my anxious rescue Poodle-Schnauzer mix who often barks for hours on end for no reason. Half a chew calms him down for a few hours." —Amazon Customer

"It's hard to know exactly how good this product is, as my dog has communications issues, but that little Yorkie definitely loves them and they help him (and, consequently, me) sleep better at night." —Amazon Customer

"I wish I could give these to my neighbor's kids." —Amazon Customer

Where to buy:

Both versions are available on Amazon (calming is eligible for Prime shipping for $12, the hip & joint formula is $13 plus shipping)

For people who have skin: The Shea Honey Oat Body Bar

The CBD Skincare Co.

Important info:

All this brand's products are made with CBD derived from 100% certified organic hemp. They're made in the USA in collaboration with the Kentucky Department of Agriculture to ensure quality from start to finish.

Review Highlights:

"I had the pleasure of trying the Oatmeal Spice bar from the CBD Skincare Company and let me tell you, I don’t think I can go back to regular soap!" - CBD Skincare Co. customer

Where to buy:

$12+ at The CBD Skincare Co (vailable in 10 scents)

For the hardcore CBD users who want to level-up: an advanced Endocannabanoid DNA test from Endocanna Health

Endocanna Health

Important Info: Much like the popular ancestry-discovery DNA tests, this report will give you in-depth info and suggestions about CBD and THC usage based on your genotype, including optimal ratios, potential side effects, best formulations and delivery methods. If you've already taken a DNA test at 23andMe, Ancestry DNA, Family Tree DNA, My Heritage DNA or Genes for Good, you can upload your raw data and get an Endocanna Health report without having to do another swab.

Where to buy:
DNA tests starting at $199 and analysis of existing DNA reports starting at $49 at Endocanna Health

Zenkyphoto / Getty Images / BuzzFeed

Some review highlights have been edited for length and clarity.